If your child is fascinated by Thomas the Tank Engine, Chuggington and adores all locomotives, be sure to take them to a train-themed spot in Perth! The vast state of WA has relied on trains throughout the last 150+ years, and so that has left a big legacy. There’s lots of trains to be found all around Perth – from train museums, to train themed playgrounds, mini train rides and even places where you can dine in a train carriage! See our ultimate guide for train fans in Perth here…
Train Themed Playgrounds
The original train park Morgan John Morgan Reserve is an absolute hidden gem in the Perth Hills. The big green train is perfect for some imaginary play – a table and benches in the “carriage” is perfect for a picnic too. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
The new Steam Train Adventure Playground in Baldivis features a beautifully crafted metal steam train. The train is great for climbing over. The train theme extends to a climbable “water cooling tower and two carriages – one of which has lost its load of wood, creating a challenging balance beam area. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Armadale town centre’s Memorial Playground enjoyed a train inspired makeover recently. This shady park has a brilliant train theme with an engine for climbing on, and a train station that’s perfect for imaginative play. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Train Museums
The Western Australian Rail Transport Museum is the ultimate destination for train lovers in Perth! Filled with many steam locomotives and diesel engines, there’s plenty to explore. Many of the trains and carriages are able to be walked through – including the very special royal carriage! Their annual Trainfest festival is not to be missed. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
A big black steam engine can be found at Kalamunda History Museum. This old loco used to haul timber up and down the Zig Zag railway early last century. Today, the Zig Zag can be driven down, in a fun ride down the edge of the Perth Hills. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Railway Rides
Hotham Valley is THE ultimate train ride in WA. In cooler months (May to October) the Steamranger chugs through the dense bush of the Darling Ranges from Dwellingup. In summer months a diesel engine is used on weekends. See the Buggybuddys review here.
The Bennett Brook railway at Whiteman Park is a lovely spot for a short train ride. Hop onboard the steam or diesel train and be taken for a journey through Whiteman Park’s Banksia woodlands. And be sure to head to the twice-yearly Ashley and Friends event! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Take a trip to Castledare Mini Railway, through bush and wetlands, and over bridges. There are two stations, Niana Station and Wilson Park. The train runs from Niana station on the 1st Sunday of each and the Wilson Park station on the 3rd Sunday each month. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
The Stirling Mini Railway runs on the last Sunday of each month. Run by the Northern Districts Model Engineering Society, a ride on the miniature railway is a magical experience for kids of all ages – even kids at heart! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail
One of the best examples of WA’s Railway heritage is to take a walk on the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. This 41km loop takes in Mundaring, as well as it’s surrounding villages. Little legs may like to walk a little of the track in John Forrest National Park, where they can also explore the fascinating Swan View Tunnel. The track is also found by the Mundaring Sculpture Playground, where there are remnants of the old train station platform and signals. It’s a great cycle path too. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Eating Out on Trains
Enjoy a babycino in a century old train carriage at Dome Bassendean! The beautifully restored carriage has plenty of cosy booths, with comfy leather seats. It’s a great spot for brekky, morning tea or lunch with kids. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
A few years ago, one of Perth’s most favourite hole-in-the-wall burger joints, Alfred’s Kitchen, added a load of seating with the addition of heritage train carriages. Kids will love chomping on a burger here! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
All aboard the “Gos-warts Express” at the Gosnells Hotel! Kids will enjoy pub grub in the train carriage, as well as a fun playground. It’s a great spot for a birthday party too. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
At Hillary’s Boat Harbour newbie, Old Wild West, your family can dine in mine train wagons! Here there’s steak and burgers on the menu for young and old. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
And if you like a slightly different kind of train – Sushi WAWA has one of the longest and tastiest sushi trains in Australia, as well as a fenced kid’s corner! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Rest of WA
If you’re headed out of Perth there’s plenty more train action to be had! One of WA’s most beloved mini train ides is found on Busselton Jetty, a brilliant option for little people who can’t make it all the way to the end of the 1.8km long jetty. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Also found close to the jetty is the Busselton Foreshore Toddler Train Playground. This new addition to the area is perfect for babies and toddlers, with low train carriage made especially for tiny climbers. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
The south west is also home to a short and sweet train ride at the action-packed Xscape at the Cape. Where there’s also a water park, mini golf, laser maze and more! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Did you know Rottnest Island even has a railway?! The Oliver Hill Train Ride takes slowly you through the Islands scrubby landscape up to the Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels, which you can explore with a guided tour. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Head east to Toodyay and you’ll find a mini railway at Duidgee Park – open April to November.
Have we missed your favourite place for spotting trains in Perth? Let us know in the coments below!
Find more things to do with kids in Perth here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
You are missing the train at Gourley park in East Fremantle.
Miniature trains that are interactive at Amaze Miniature Park in Mandurah!